"I won't mince words, and I will spare you a highly technical commentary: this recording is simply beautiful; Ramey's singing is, as always, magical. If you enjoy opera and are looking to try something other than the much more mainstream "Three Tenors" variety CD, this will be one you'll treasure. The other one to get is Ramey's recording of Rossini arias. Magnificent!"
Bravo, Mr. Ramey!
Martin W. Eldred | Eagle River, Alaska United States | 08/12/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am usually suspicious of singers that are currently on the media's "hot list" since they are often more hype than true talent. Samuel Ramey, however, is wonderful proof that a truly great singer can also be a media darling. Famous for his "devil" roles and his bare chest, Ramey is also simply one of the best male singers of our era (in any range). This is a great recording from a great singer and one that highlights some fantastic, but lesser known opera arias. As a fellow bass, I appreciate hearing some of "our" music, but I also enjoy the break from the usual opera record of the same old tenor or sporano arias. Basses usually get the short shrift in the opera world, especially in the recording industry, which is such a pity since the arias on this recording deserve to be revered as much as any more famous tenor collection. This is simply great music and Ramey is a marvelous interpreter of these songs. Ramey has gone a long way to show that we basses do more than play what I call, "dads, bads, and priests", but also contribute some exceptionally great music to a night at the opera. Bravo, Mr. Ramey!"
Wow! That boy from Kansas can SING!
Andrew Parks | Beaux Arts, WA USA | 10/27/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There is a reason that Sam Ramey is an opera star. This cd gives you a glimpse as to why. He can flat out sing.Few Bassos in Opera History have displayed his virtuosity of style and technique.From Mozart, to Rossini, to Gounod, to Verdi, Maestro Ramey can cover the emotional and musical depths that are presented to him.If you want gorgeous sound as well, he has it in spades!! Sam has "set the bar" very high indeed for those who would follow!"
Samuel Ramey is a great artist!
V. Chau | San Diego, CA | 04/28/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This recording shows Samuel Ramey in excellent form. He sings superbly in each aria. The Verdi arias tend to lack the last bit of emotional abandon, but Ramey sings them very well. A few arias allow us to hear his voice's excellent agility. Ramey has excellent Italian and French diction. The "Calunnia" aria is right up his alley. A particularly nice surprise was the short selection from "La Damnation de Faust". Samuel Ramey can sing and it is no wonder why he became a major operatic superstar."
Samuel Ramey: Reigning Lord of Basses
Jeffrey E. Tucker | New York, New York, USA | 06/21/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sam Ramey is the pinnacle of vocal prowess, and he shows it off very well on this CD. A must-buy for anyone studying classical singing. He's the man!!!!!!"